Bayern Munich captain, Philipp Lahm has opened up on how he started his footballing career and how life has been to him as a professional footballer.

The midfielder will be marking the end of an era at Bayern as he hangs his boots.

Lahm spoke exclusively to bundesliga.com ahead of the champions’ Matchday 34 clash at home to Freiburg.

The 33-year-old looked back at his playing days and revealed his post-retirement plans.

“Oh, I’ve got a lot of thoughts, of course. One thing I set out to do though was especially to enjoy every minute, every hour, every day, every training session and every game.

He said manager Carlo Anchilotti tried to make him play at least one more year.

“Yes he did, several times! [ Laughs ] But I’m sticking to my guns. It’s good to stop when you’re at the top. I thought about it a lot and am now looking forward to the time after hanging up my boots.

Asked how it feels like starting out as a ball boy at Bayern, he added, “Yeah, it all feels a bit like travelling through time. But seriously, when I think about it, that’s how Bayern tempted me a little bit. Back then I was still playing for FT Gern. It was just amazing to be so close to all the action. This all happened at the old Olympiastadion, so I was able to go along to the games there.

“My first game was definitely a special one, precisely because it was my first. That said, it wasn’t a Bayern match but was very special nonetheless.

“It was the Champions League final between Borussia Dortmund and Juventus [Played at the Olympiastadion in Munich]. The stadium was incredible. Being there gave me a completely different perspective on football and made me even more enthusiastic. You need that as a young player.